In 1996, Mobeen Khaja read an article in the Buffalo News that First Lady Hillary Clinton had started a tradition of inviting Muslims to the White House to open their fast in the month of Ramadan. Inspired by this act he decided to organize a similar event here in Canada. That same year for the first time, Eid was celebrated here on Parliament Hill Ottawa. Through Mobeen’s efforts the event was expanded and a short 3 years later became an annual tradition at both Parliament Hill and Queens Park Toronto. Over the years these events have been widely attended by the Diplomatic Core, Government and Non-Government Organizations. In 1999, APMC also added its hallmark Canada Day event, which is celebrated at midnight on June 30th in order to be the first ones in the country to welcome Canada Day and in 2008, at tenth anniversary, the APMC started celebrating Canada Day and the United States Independence Day together. The Association of Progressive Muslims of Canada’s core message is to present Islam in a way to make it better understood through social and cultural activities and while servicing the various needs of the Muslim community in Canada, with a focus on upcoming generations. The Association accomplishes this high undertaking by participating in interfaith dialogue, and hosting various events and engaging in projects, most notably by the production of the documentary” No Distance Between Us” and Mosaic which addressed the issues faced by Canadian Muslims after 9/11. As President Mobeen Khaja has achieved much on behalf of the Association and for many years been at the forefront of pursuing similar values in Ajax as former president of the Muslim Educational and Cultural Association, Advisor for the Social Development Council and the Pickering Race Relations and Equity Committee. In a unique partnership between the Chinese and Muslim communities, Mobeen Khaja co-chairs the annual Taste of Asia Festival directed under Dr. Ken Ng. He is a founding member and director of the Canadian Federation of Intercultural Friendship which works to promote similar values in York Region. He was the co-chair for the Canadian International Peace Project in 2001. It was the first time a Muslim Organization partnered with a Church, in this instance the United Church in North York to rebuild a place of worship, specifically a mosque in Afghanistan. He and Rev, Brown were on the front page of the Toronto Star on December 31, 2001. In 2011, he was appointed to the Order of Ontario for his contributions to promoting peace and cross-cultural understanding. In 2012 he received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Then in 2017 he was awarded both the Canada 150th Anniversary Peace Quest Award as well as the Senate’s 150th Anniversary Award. Most recently, in June 2020, he received an Honorary Doctorate from Trent University, as the first Muslim to receive this honour from the University. His many accomplishments have been highlighted on various media outlets including CBC World News and Rogers Cable Network. The Association of Progressive Muslims of Canada’s core message is to present Islam in a way to make it better understood through social and cultural activities and while servicing the various needs of the Muslim community in Canada, with a focus on upcoming generations. The Association accomplishes this high undertaking by participating in interfaith dialogue, and hosting various events and engaging in projects, most notably by the production of the documentary” No Distance Between Us” and Mosaic which addressed the issues faced by Canadian Muslims after 9/11. As President Mobeen Khaja has achieved much on behalf of the Association and for many years been at the forefront of pursuing similar values in Ajax as former president of the Muslim Educational and Cultural Association, Advisor for the Social Development Council and the Pickering Race Relations and Equity Committee. In a unique partnership between the Chinese and Muslim communities, Mobeen Khaja co-chairs the annual Taste of Asia Festival directed under Dr. Ken Ng. He is a founding member and director of the Canadian Federation of Intercultural Friendship which works to promote similar values in York Region. He was the co-chair for the Canadian International Peace Project in 2001. It was the first time a Muslim Organization partnered with a Church, in this instance the United Church in North York to rebuild a place of worship, specifically a mosque in Afghanistan. He and Rev, Brown were on the front page of the Toronto Star on December 31, 2001. In 2011, he was appointed to the Order of Ontario for his contributions to promoting peace and cross-cultural understanding. In 2012 he received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Then in 2017 he was awarded both the Canada 150th Anniversary Peace Quest Award as well as the Senate’s 150th Anniversary Award. Most recently, in June 2020, he received an Honorary Doctorate from Trent University, as the first Muslim to receive this honour from the University. His many accomplishments have been highlighted on various media outlets including CBC World News and Rogers Cable Network.

Armand La Barge is a distinguished Canadian law enforcement leader and community advocate, known for his dedication to diversity, inclusion, and social justice. He began his career with the York Regional Police in 1973, and he served as Chief of Police from 2002 to 2010. During his tenure as Chief, he was elected President of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and Ontario Director of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and he was an Associate Member of the First Nation Chiefs of Police Association. In addition to his policing career, Dr. La Barge has been involved in various community and educational initiatives, including serving as chair of Trent University's Board of Governors and a member of the Board of York University and Sacred Heart College. His commitment to education is highlighted by his Ph.D in Criminal Justice and his Master and Honours Bachelor of Arts degrees in Canadian and Indigenous Studies. Dr. La Barge is the recipient of the Black Business Professional Association Harry Jerome Award for Diversity, the YMCA Peace Medallion, and in 2022, he was appointed to the Order of Ontario for his lifelong commitment to diversity, inclusion, human rights and community activism.

Denise LaBarge is a former Detective Sergeant with the York Regional Police, recognized for her groundbreaking work in child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence investigations and for the development of the York Region Child Abuse Protocol. She is a pioneer in policing and she has the distinction of being the first female recruit ever hired by York Regional Police and the first to attend Ontario Police College. Denise is an Ambassador with the Universal Peace Federation and she has served on several community boards including Blue Hills Child and Family Services, Yellow Brick House and she was the Vice Chair of the Luke 4 Foundation. Denise is the co-founder of the Armand & Denise La Barge Graduate Scholarship in Multiculturalism at York University and the Armand & Denise LaBarge Policing & Community Well-Being Bursary at Trent University. Denise is the recipient of the 2010 York Region Woman of Distinction Award, the 2011 Dr. Roz’s Healing Place Woman of Distinction Award, the 2012 Future Aces Foundation Service Award and the 2013 YWCA Toronto Woman of Distinction Award. Denise's commitment to social justice and human rights continues to inspire the Ontario community.

Yumna Siddiqi is a legal professional and community leader based in Ontario, Canada. Since 2012, she has been associated with the Association of Progressive Muslims of Canada (APMC), having been selected as part of a group of Muslim university students who traveled to Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia as part of an International Youth Study Program organized by Dr. Khaja and the U.S. State Department. Prior to becoming APMC's President in 2023, she served as the General Secretary for several years. Yumna holds a Certificate in Dispute Resolution from York University's School of Continuing Studies and is a graduate of the Honours Bachelor of Human Resources Management and Alternative Dispute Resolution programs at York University. She also earned her Juris Doctor Law degrees from the University of Windsor and the University of Detroit Mercy. Yumna's commitment to community service is reflected in her numerous initiatives, including delivering festive meals during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is a two-time recipient of the Ontario Volunteer Service Award. In her professional capacity, Yumna serves as an Assistant Crown Attorney and Prosecutor for the Province of Ontario. She is also a mother of 3 children. Through her leadership and dedication, Yumna continues to contribute significantly to enhancing family and community well-being and building bridges of understanding among diverse communities in Canada.

Ammar Sikander is a prominent figure in Canadian capital markets and president of Kingsmen Capital Investments, was featured in the Top 100 People in Finance Magazine in 2019. With nearly a decade of experience in the finance industry, Ammar brings a strong background in strategic planning and project management to his role. He founded KCI with the vision of empowering small and medium-sized enterprises, driving growth and innovation in the Canadian business landscape. In addition to his professional endeavors, Ammar is deeply committed to community service and advocacy. He serves as a board member of Support Local, a not-for-profit lobby group that champions the interests of small businesses across Canada, working with over 7,000 businesses nationwide. His passion for community development extends to his involvement with the Association of Progressive Muslims of Canada (APMC), where he has been an active member for seven years. During his tenure with APMC, Ammar has held leadership roles, including Vice President, and previously led the APMC youth body. He has also represented the organization in impactful initiatives such as post-wildfire reforestation efforts in British Columbia, access to clean water projects, and the setup of wells in rural areas of Pakistan. Ammar holds a degree in Business Administration and Psychology from Laurentian University, blending his academic expertise with a practical approach to leadership and problem-solving. Beyond his professional and community work, he is an avid sports enthusiast and has been involved in sports development programs for underprivileged youth and was one of the founders of Barrie Cricket League, further demonstrating his commitment to fostering opportunities for growth and well-being. Ammar's diverse experiences, from leading financial initiatives to advocating for small businesses and driving community projects, reflect his dedication to creating positive change both in the business world and within the communities he serves.

Rizwan is a dynamic leader with extensive experience in business transformation, financial oversight, and enterprise-level customer experience program implementation. Currently serving as Vice President of Customer experience at Willowdale Asset Management, Rizwan has a proven track record of driving large-scale strategic initiatives. Holding an MBA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Bachelor of Commerce from Toronto Metropolitan University, Rizwan is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). He brings strong governance expertise to his role as Treasurer at APMC, ensuring financial accountability and sustainable growth. Beyond his professional career, Rizwan is deeply committed to community service, currently serving as Vice-Chair of the Board at St. Leonard’s Place Peel. A passionate athlete, Rizwan has represented Pakistan internationally in three World Ball Hockey Championship tournaments, earning a gold medal in Bratislava, Slovakia, in 2011 after defeating France. He remains actively involved in coaching and mentoring youth in sports. Above all, he is a dedicated husband and father, striving to make a meaningful impact both professionally and personally.

Shazia Hassan currently serves as the secretary for APMC, and is a pharmaceutical professional with 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, market access, and academic research. She is a dedicated advocate for education, serving as chair of a statutory committee focused on enhancing parent engagement and improving student experiences. Shazia has also played a leadership role in national scientific organizations, having served as president and continuing as a board member. Outside of her professional and advocacy work, she enjoys spending time with her family and actively participating in sports, both personally and through her children’s activities.

Arsalan Syed is a dedicated member of the Association of Progressive Muslims of Canada (APMC) and has actively contributed to the organization for seven years. He plays a key role in organizing interfaith dialogue events, community outreach programs, and educational workshops. Arsalan is also the Business Development Manager at PhoneTek Inc., where he specializes in sales strategy and business expansion. A graduate of the University of Waterloo, Arsalan has a background in information technology, real estate development, and healthcare services. His dedication to community service includes organizing food drives, coordinating volunteer efforts, and supporting marginalized communities. Arsalan enjoys mentoring, spending time with his family, and is an avid golfer.

Shaykh Faisal Hamid Abdur-Razak is a renowned Islamic scholar based in Brampton, Ontario. He has dedicated over 50 years to serving Islam and the spiritual development of Muslims worldwide. He is the Founder & President of the Islamic Forum of Canada and the Al-Faisaliyyah Foundation. Shaykh Faisal is recognized for his efforts in interfaith dialogue and peace-building, and has authored several books on Islamic sciences. His leadership continues to promote peace, understanding, and a deep love for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

M.Ali Siddiqi first became involved with the APMC in 2012 and has been a staunch supporter since then, as such he has participated in a variety of roles including sponsor and member and is proud to now be a board member. In his professional life Mr. Siddiqi is a Civil Engineering Material Consultant and is the owner operator of a Construction & Civil Material testing Laboratories services company for the past 40 years. In his personal life, he enjoys spending time with his 5 grandchildren, is an avid traveller, and considers himself a foodie.

Nehal Syed is a seasoned business leader and dedicated community supporter with decades of experience across multiple industries. He began his career in the banking sector in Pakistan before immigrating to Canada, where he successfully established and managed businesses in information technology, real estate, and healthcare. A longstanding member of APMC, Nehal has contributed as a sponsor, member, and now as a board member. Beyond his professional achievements he enjoys giving back to the community. In his free time, Nehal enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and keeping up with current political affairs.